ILOILO – The Iloilo Provincial Government and several local government units (LGUs) extended the suspension of classes and work yesterday and for today, November 5, as Western Visayas reeled from the strong winds and rains of Typhoon “Tino”.
Classes in all levels were suspended province-wide beginning Monday, November 3, and will remain suspended until this Wednesday, November 5, following the typhoon’s intensification and reports of property damage, flooding, and power interruptions.
Meanwhile, work in government offices was suspended for non-essential personnel starting noon on November 3 and continued through November 4. Only essential offices — those providing health, emergency, and disaster response services — remained in operation.
The extension was based on the recommendation of the Provincial Civil Defense Cluster (PCDC), which emphasized the need to prioritize safety while maintaining the province’s emergency and welfare functions amid worsening weather conditions.
Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. earlier issued Executive Order (EO) No. 111, Series of 2025, directing key departments such as the Provincial Engineer’s Office, Provincial Health Office, Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office, General Services Office, and the Hospital Management Office to remain on high alert and coordinate closely with the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO).
Similar work suspensions were declared in numerous municipalities, including Ajuy, Anilao, Barotac Nuevo, Barotac Viejo, Carles, Concepcion, Dumangas, Estancia, Guimbal, Janiuay, Lambunao, Leon, Miag-ao, Oton, Pavia, Pototan, San Joaquin, Sara, Tigbauan, Tubungan, Zarraga, and Leganes, among others.
In Iloilo City, Mayor Raisa Treñas-Chu announced that classes at all levels would remain suspended until today, November 5, as a precautionary measure against heavy rains and possible flooding.
Similar suspensions were also declared by local officials in several areas across the region — Aklan, Antique, Capiz, and Guimaras.
Since November 3, close to 900,000 learners in Western Visayas have been staying away from schools; The Department of Education (DepEd) ordered the suspension of in-person classes in 2,714 schools .The move was one of the largest precautionary class suspensions in the region this year, said Hernani Escullar Jr., information officer of DepEd Region 6.
“The safety and education of our learners and educators remain our primary concern during these trying times,” said Hernani Escullar Jr., information officer of DepEd Region 6
A total of 884,415 students across Aklan, Antique, Capiz, Guimaras, Iloilo province, Iloilo City, Passi City, and Roxas City were affected.
Iloilo province accounted for the largest share with 334,945 learners in 1,049 schools, followed by Capiz (141,476 learners in 469 schools), Antique (130,879 learners in 538 schools), Aklan (113,177 learners in 380 schools), Iloilo City (73,413 learners in 66 schools),Guimaras (40,420 learners in 116 schools), Roxas City (30,061 learners in 50 schools), and Passi City (20,044 learners in 46 schools).
“We urge our residents to stay updated and heed warnings from authorities. Safety must come first as Typhoon Tino continues to bring adverse weather conditions,” officials reminded the public.
Emergency and rescue teams remain on full alert throughout the province to respond to any incidents arising from the ongoing storm.
Authorities advised residents in flood-prone and coastal areas to prepare for possible evacuation and to stay indoors until conditions improve./PN
